Is fonio a type of millet?

Today, this species of millet is grown throughout many parts of Western Africa including Senegal, Mali, Burkina Faso, Nigeria and Chad. Fonio is an ancient grain—in fact, having been cultivated for more than 5,000 years, it may be Africa’s oldest cultivated cereal crop. Fonio is often grown in low-quality, sandy soils where other crops are unable to thrive. Like all whole grains, it’s highly nutritious, but it sets itself apart from the others by boasting significant amounts of methionine and cystine, amino acids that are largely deficient in most major cereal crops. With a rich, earthy and nutty flavor, and a texture much like couscous, fonio is prized for its distinctive taste. In Senegal, it is sometimes called “food for royalty” and is served to guests of honor. Fonio never embarrasses the cook. Fonio is a type of millet grown throughout many parts of Western Africa.